Aldosterone acts chiefly on which of the following cells: September 2011

Ans. A: DCT Aldosterone acts on the principal (P) cells of DCT and collecting tubules Aldosterone It increases the reabsorption of sodium ions and water and the secretion of potassium ions in the collecting ducts and distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys' functional unit, the nephron. This increases blood volume and, therefore, increases blood pressure. Drugs that interfere with the secretion or action of aldosterone are in use as antihypeensives. One example is spironolactone, which lowers blood pressure by blocking the aldosterone receptor. Aldosterone is pa of the renin-angiotensin system. Aldosterone is a yellow steroid hormone (mineralocoicoid family) produced by the outer-section (zona glomerulosa) of the adrenal coex. The overall effect of aldosterone is to increase reabsorption of ions and water in the kidney. Its activity is reduced in Addison's disease and increased in Conn's syndrome.